Wallabies 21 v Lions 23

Aus have never beaten the Lions in Brisbane. Can they break a seven match losing streak?

The most interesting thing is whether the Aussies can front up to the vaunted physicality of the Lions and bring their backs into the game. If the likes of Folau, Genia, Ioane and Barnes get enough ball it’s going to break the Aussie losing streak. If the B&IL keep it nice and tight as if they’re playing in Cardiff or some such mud pool it’s game over Aussies…

Players to watch:

For Australia: There are so many questionable selections – Is Berrick Barnes the best fullback? Is Adam Ashley-Cooper and Christian Leali’ifano really the best midfield combination? Will James O’Connor cope at flyhalf? However, the one player on which the spotlight will shine brightest is Rugby League convert Israel Folau on the right wing.

For the British and Irish Lions: Many questions have been raised about tour skipper Sam Warburton’s form. He will no doubt like to prove his detractors wrong. Tom Youngs also needs to show the Lions do not have a weakness at hooker.

Head to head: The most exciting of all will be on the wing – Israel Folau on the Australian right wing against battle-hardened Welshman George North on the B&I Lions left wing. Will guile prevail over brute force? Flyhalf is another intriguing battle – James O’Connor in a rare Test appearance in the No.10 shirt for Australia against Irishman Johnny Sexton, playing a pivotal role for the B&I Lions.

Prediction: It is exciting times and any pundit worth his salt will take a punt on this game. However, getting it right when making that prediction is not as easy as it seems. The B&I Lions may have the edge in the set pieces, but the Wallabies will (should) have the guile in the backs. Should they get enough ball, the Wallabies could cause a few flutters in the Lions den. However, we feel the Lions may just have the edge and squeak a winner. The B&I Lions by 10 points or less.

Barnes must’ve had more concussions than Schalk Burger. He seems to constantly hit his head against something or someone. Crasy how Kearnes think North knew that he’d injure Barnes by pushing Folau once he gathered the ball. It was an accident.

Wallabies defense looking up for the challenge though. They’re still in it, despite having almost nothing to work with in the first half.